The 10 best Cider cocktails

Introduction

Infuse Bright Cider into Cocktails!

Cider, a deliciously versatile ingredient, elevates cocktails with its crisp and refreshing character.

Whether enjoyed hot or cold, its natural sweetness and subtle tartness add depth and complexity to any drink. Perfect for any occasion, cider enhances everything from sophisticated sippers to casual mixes, making it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. As a beverage, cider offers a unique combination of fruity and tangy notes, usually derived from apples or pears, making it an ideal pairing with a variety of liquors and mixers. Its adaptability allows for warmth in spiced drinks or cool refreshment in sparkling creations, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences. Cider's effervescence and flavor profile make it a key ingredient for cocktails that aim to delight and surprise the senses.

In this curated listicle, we've handpicked the top 10 cider-based cocktails that showcase its versatility and vibrant taste. These selected recipes demonstrate how cider can transform a simple drink into a complex flavor experience, whether you're indulging in the comforting warmth of Mulled Cider or the refreshing spark of Air Cleaner.

Top 10 Cider cocktails

  • · · · · · ·   Snakebite
  • · · · · · ·   Mulled Cider
  • · · · · · ·   Warm Bourbon Cider
  • · · · · · ·   The Colonel
  • · · · · · ·   Air Cleaner
  • · · · · · ·   Save Yourself!
  • · · · · · ·   Mimi
  • · · · · · ·   Pink Pixie
  • · · · · · ·   Wankered
  • · · · · · ·   Sheepdip

Conclusion

More about Cider

1. Snakebite

A striking balance between the tartness of blackcurrant cordial and the crispness of cider, cut through with the effervescence of lager, crafts a drink with a unique profile. This cocktail, often associated with the British pub scene, has gained popularity for its refreshing yet bold taste. It's a testament to the simplicity of ingredients coming together to create something unexpectedly complex and delightfully drinkable.

Ingredients

Method

Get a half pint of cider and fill the rest with lager
Add a dash of blackcurrant and serve
Go to recipe

2. Mulled Cider

This drink is a quintessential winter warmer, combining the comforting flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla with the fruity sharpness of pomegranate and orange. The base of quality cider is elevated with these spices, creating a cocktail that's as aromatic as it is flavorful. Ideal for gatherings or a quiet night in, it encapsulates the essence of the colder months, providing a cozy, festive twist on traditional cider consumption.

Ingredients

Method

Put the cider into a pan with all the spices and the juices of the fruits
Bring to the boil and then allow to simmer for five minutes
Sweeten with sugar to taste
Garnish with a star anise and cinnamon stick, and serve
Go to recipe

3. Warm Bourbon Cider

Mixing the smooth, rich warmth of bourbon with the sweet, tartness of cider, this cocktail is further enriched by the addition of spices like ginger and nutmeg. Each sip promises a multi-layered experience, where the heat of the bourbon is mellowed by the cider's sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced drink that's ideal for chilly evenings. It's a modern twist on traditional cider, introducing a sophisticated, spiced depth to the palate.

Ingredients

Method

In a large pan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
When the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add your bourbon whisky of choice
Stir to distribute the spices, pour into a heat resistant glass and serve
Go to recipe

4. The Colonel

This drink presents an inventive blend of green chartreuse, Calvados, and bourbon with cider, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor. The inclusion of a pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle spice that complements the cocktail's complex character. It's a sophisticated choice that demonstrates how cider can serve as a foundation for more elaborate, spirit-forward creations, appealing to connoisseurs seeking a refined drinking experience.

Ingredients

Method

Combine all the ingredients along with 60ml/2 shots of hot water in a mixing glass
Stir and pour into a teacup
Garnish with an apple wedge, sliced into a fan, and serve
Go to recipe

5. Air Cleaner

Featuring a light, fruity base of cider topped with white rum, blackberries, and a hint of raspberry liqueur, this cocktail is a testament to cider's versatility. The orange slice garnish adds a citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor. It's a refreshingly innovative approach to cider cocktails, perfect for those who enjoy drinks that are as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Ingredients

Method

Muddle the blackberries and orange slice in a highball glass while adding the liquids
Add crushed ice and stir
Garnish with a slice of lemon, a feather of pineapple leaves and some cherries, and serve
Go to recipe

6. Save Yourself!

Combining whiskey, blackcurrant cordial, and cider with a splash of lager, this cocktail offers a bold flavor profile destined for those who appreciate a drink with depth. The whiskey's warmth, paired with the cider's crispness, creates a harmonious blend that's both invigorating and comforting. It's a versatile concoction suited for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to more contemplative moments.

Ingredients

Method

Mix half a pint of cider, two shots of Jack Daniel's and half a pint of lager in a pint glass
Stir well and add in a shot of blackcurrant cordial and serve
Go to recipe

7. Mimi

A daring mix that bridges the gap between spirited and soft drinks, combining vodka, WKD blue, and cider. This cocktail is a shining example of how traditional and contemporary flavors can unite to create something uniquely refreshing. It caters to a youthful, adventurous palate, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the classic cider applications in a fun and engaging way.

Ingredients

Method

Stir half a pint of cider, two shots of vodka and half a bottle of WKD Blue together in a pint glass and serve
Go to recipe

8. Pink Pixie

This cocktail charms with its visually appealing pink hue and a tantalizing mix of aniseed liqueur, gin, and cider, rounded off with a splash of lemonade. The blackcurrant cordial deepens the flavor, adding a layer of fruity sweetness. It's a playful yet sophisticated beverage that showcases cider's ability to mingle with a range of spirits and enhancers, offering a delightful sip that's both balanced and refreshing.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Go to recipe

9. Wankered

Catering to lovers of sweeter, more vibrant drinks, this combination of WKD blue and cider creates a lively concoction that’s both eye-catching and palate-pleasing. It's a simple mix that speaks to the modern trend of creating visually stunning cocktails that are equally enjoyable to drink. This cocktail proves that sometimes, less is indeed more, by focusing on the harmonious blend of just two ingredients.

Ingredients

Method

Pour a bottle of WKD Blue into a pint glass then top up with Strongbow cider before serving
Go to recipe

10. Sheepdip

This concoction is a lively fusion of vodka, lemonade, cider, advocaat, and blue Curaçao, resulting in a cocktail with a twist of tartness, sweetness, and creamy texture. It's a bold choice for those eager to experiment with their cider, venturing into creamy and citrusy territories. The combination yields a drink that is surprising in its complexity, proving cider's flexibility in blending with diverse flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir
Pour into the glass over ice and serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

Our selection of the top 10 cider cocktails represents a diverse array of flavors and styles, crafted to highlight cider's unique contribution to mixology.

These cocktails were chosen for their ability to combine cider's natural appeal with a complementary blend of ingredients, resulting in well-balanced and standout drinks. Each recipe on this list celebrates cider's ability to be both familiar and exciting, making them the perfect picks for anyone seeking to elevate their cocktail game with this vibrant ingredient.

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More about Cider

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the history of cider, and how has it evolved into a cocktail ingredient?

Cider's origins can be traced back thousands of years to regions around the world where apples were cultivated. It is believed to have been a popular beverage among ancient Celts, Romans, and Normans. Traditionally, cider was a simple, fermented apple juice, enjoyed for its refreshing taste and slight alcohol content. Over the centuries, different cultures developed their own versions of cider, experimenting with apple varieties, fermentation processes, and additional flavorings. In the world of mixology, cider has evolved from a standalone drink to a versatile cocktail ingredient. Its incorporation into cocktails began as mixologists sought to explore new flavors and textures, utilizing cider's unique balance of sweetness and acidity to craft innovative drinks. Today, cider is celebrated in cocktails for its ability to add depth, character, and a hint of fruitiness to a wide range of concoctions.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

If I don't have cider, what can I use as a substitute in a cocktail recipe?

When substituting for cider in a cocktail recipe, consider the cider's role in the drink. For a non-alcoholic or lower alcohol content substitute, apple juice or carbonated apple juice can provide similar sweetness and apple flavor. If the cocktail benefits from the slightly tart and fermented taste of cider, a combination of apple juice with a splash of lemon or lime juice can mimic this balance. For alcoholic substitutes, apple-flavored sparkling water or a light beer with a splash of apple juice can offer a similar effervescence and alcohol content to hard cider. When replacing cider, adjusting the sweetness or acidity with additional ingredients may be necessary to achieve a balanced cocktail.

GARNISHING_TIPS

What are some recommended garnishes for cider-based cocktails?

For cider-based cocktails, garnishes should complement the drink's flavors and aromas while adding visual appeal. Fresh apple slices or apple fan garnishes work beautifully, echoing the cider's main ingredient. A cinnamon stick or a dusting of ground cinnamon can enhance the warming, spiced notes in autumnal cider cocktails. For a touch of freshness, a sprig of thyme or mint offers both aroma and a splash of color. If the cocktail has a sparkling component, consider adding a few pomegranate seeds for a festive, jewel-like appearance. Edible flowers can also add a charming touch to lighter, more delicate cider concoctions.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How can cider be incorporated into cocktail recipes?

Cider can be incorporated into cocktail recipes in various ways, depending on the desired outcome. For a simple, refreshing cocktail, cider can be used as the primary liquid base, mixed with a spirit and perhaps a sweetener or a splash of citrus juice. In fizzy cocktails, combining cider with sparkling water, soda, or champagne adds a delightful effervescence. For a deeper, more complex flavor profile, cider can be combined with dark spirits like bourbon or rum, along with spices or herbal liqueurs. Mulled cider cocktails are popular in colder months, where the cider is gently heated with spices, citrus, and sometimes sweeteners, before being mixed with a spirit. The key is to balance cider's natural sweetness and acidity with the other components to create a harmonious drink.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What are the best occasions and settings for serving cider-based cocktails?

Cider-based cocktails are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions and settings. During the warmer months, light, fizzy cider cocktails are perfect for garden parties, barbecues, or as refreshing sundowners on a hot day. In the autumn and winter, spiced cider cocktails, often served warm, are a cozy and festive choice for holiday gatherings, bonfires, or simply as a comforting evening tipple. Cider-based cocktails can also be tailored for special events like weddings or fall celebrations, offering a unique and seasonal twist on traditional cocktails. Their broad appeal and the ability to pair well with various foods make them a fantastic choice for almost any social gathering, casual or formal.